"It's been a brilliant season for him, which is his first full one in football. He's very agile and a lad who has a really good personality. The lads think he talks a bit too much, that's probably why I like him. But he's an excellent professional and deserves all the rewards he's getting."

Dowie was also delighted with Darren Sheridan's return from shoulder injury and Lee Duxbury's performance at the centre of defence.

"Darren's a very good player who helps us play as a team", he said. "He helped us move on from that era when we had John Sheridan dictating the play. I believe in passing the ball and Darren's one of those that can do it."

"Lee organised very well. For his lack of a yard or so now Lee is probably two yards quicker in his head. He's very clever - a very switched-on footballer - and that's why I put him in that role because I think he's got a good future there."

Latics travel to Northampton at the weekend boosted by the return of Fitz Hall from suspension. The Cobblers have the worst home record in the division, having already lost nine times at Sixfields Stadium.